Madam, - It is invigorating to read Fintan O'Toole drawing attention to that very sacred cow of modern Ireland - the openness and tolerance of our secular State ("A woman of contradictions, Weekend Review, October 2nd).
He looks to the emergence of a more tolerant society when our secular State can tolerate the expression of a President's deep religious beliefs. Unfortunately, secularists too often appear to favour intolerance over debate when their basic premise appears to be under threat.
With this idea coming from a person of Fintan O'Toole's calibre and known provenance there is hope yet for a truly tolerant and open multicultural society in this land of ours. - Yours, etc.,
KEVIN HEALY, Hampstead Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9